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Celebration of Life Tree Seat scheme launched in Hotham Park

A silver birch in the historic Hotham Park has been chosen as the location for a ‘Celebration of Life Tree Seat’ which will feature messages from the public on engraved plaques shaped like leaves.

The Aldingbourne Trust is delighted to be part of this new project in partnership with Arun District Council.

Customers will have a choice of either a serrated chestnut plaque, or a round-edged oak plaque in either silver or gold laminated material.

They can then dedicate a message to a loved one or celebrate a special occasion by choosing words to have inscribed.

The plaques will be dedicated for a ten-year period, with the option to re-adopt for a further five years.

The Aldingbourne Trust will deal with the application process for purchasing, engraving and installing the plaques. This will be managed through the wood department at the Aldingbourne Country Centre and people with learning disabilities and/or autism, who are supported by the Trust, will be actively involved in fitting the plaques and maintaining the seat.

Councillor Dan Purchese, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We are delighted to be launching this imaginative scheme, which allows people to create a unique memory by leaving a personal message inscribed onto a leaf-shaped plaque. The dedication will provide a long-lasting tribute that can be visited over time.”

Peter Stanley, General Manager of the Trust, said: "With the success of the Long Bench scheme in Littlehampton, we are very pleased to be involved in this exciting project. We are looking forward to working with the local community to display their messages on the leaf plaques on this lovely seat."